Traveling reclining restraint and collision-protection device

Abstract

A method and apparatus for restraining a recumbent passenger in a moving vehicle. A flexible sheeting is secured at a first end portion to a vehicle seat back, a passenger is placed in the central portion of the sheeting, and the second end portion of the sheeting is secured to the first end to form a U-shaped cradle. Straps are provided for securing the passenger in the restraint device. A padded board can be positioned beneath the restraining straps to provide additional support for the passenger. The restraint device can also be attached to the vehicle seat cushion by engagement with a vehicle seat belt.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A restraint device for restraining a passenger in a moving vehicle, comprising: a flexible sheeting for cradling the passenger and having first and second end portions and a central portion;   means for securing at least the first end portion of said sheeting to a vehicle seat back;   securement means for securing the passenger in a prone position at the central portion of said sheeting; and   means for attaching the second end of said sheeting to said first end, forming thereby a U-shaped cradle, said central portion of said sheeting forming the curvate portion of said cradle.   
     
     
       2. A restraint device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said securement means comprises a pair of straps. 
     
     
       3. A restraint device as claimed in claim 2, wherein said straps form an X-shaped pattern over the passenger. 
     
     
       4. A restraint device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said means for securing at least said first end portion of said sheeting includes a buckle attached to said first end and a ring attached to the vehicle seat back, said buckle releasably engaging said ring. 
     
     
       5. A restraint device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said means for attaching the second end portion of said sheeting includes a strap attached at each side of said sheeting at said second end, and a double ring strap retainer positioned at each side of said first end portion, each of said straps releasably secured by a separate strap retainer ring. 
     
     
       6. A restraint device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said restraint device further includes a board positioned beneath the securement means. 
     
     
       7. A restraint device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the restraint device further includes means for securement to a vehicle seat cushion. 
     
     
       8. A restraint device as claimed in claim 7, wherein said cushion securement means includes a plurality of loops engageable with a vehicle seat belt. 
     
     
       9. A restraint device as claimed in claim 1, wherein padding is inserted between the device and the vehicle seat cushion. 
     
     
       10. A method for restraining a passenger in a moving vehicle, comprising: laying a flexible sheeting on a vehicle seat, said sheeting having a central portion and two end portions;   attaching a first end portion to the vehicle seat back;   positioning a passenger on the central portion of the sheeting;   securing the passenger in the central portion; and   attaching the second end portion to the first end portion, forming thereby a U-shaped cradle, the central portion of the sheeting forming the curvate portion of the cradle.   
     
     
       11. A method as claimed in claim 10, wherein said method includes securing the central portion to the vehicle seat cushion. 
     
     
       12. A method as claimed in claim 11, wherein said central portion is secured to the vehicle seat cushion by means of a plurality of loops engageable with a vehicle seat belt. 
     
     
       13. A method as claimed in claim 10, wherein said method includes placing padding between the central portion of the sheeting and the vehicle seat cushion.